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Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

Press Release

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

September 30, 2025

Today the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to amend the Code of Ethics to close a loophole that allows public officials and employees to take unlimited gifts from lobbyists. The Commission did this at the request of Common Cause Rhode Island which filed a petition to close the loophole. This is the first time since 2012 that the Commission has voted to strengthen the state’s ethics laws.

Media Contacts

John Marion

Executive Director, Rhode Island
jmarion@commoncause.org
401-861-2322

Common Cause Rhode Island frequently provides commentary on democracy reform issues. To talk with John Marion please reach out using the contact information above.

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In RI, Politicians Hire Lots of Politicians – It Creates Lots of Issues

News Clip

In RI, Politicians Hire Lots of Politicians – It Creates Lots of Issues

In RI, politicians hire other elected officials. John Marion comments on the ethical problems that this practice presents.

November 14, 2023

$182K loan, ethics filings tie Woonsocket mayor to developer in controversial land deal

News Clip

$182K loan, ethics filings tie Woonsocket mayor to developer in controversial land deal

Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt's controversial $1.1 million land deal is under scrutiny.

November 14, 2023

Behind Closed Doors: The Ongoing Struggle for Public Records Access in Rhode Island

News Clip

Behind Closed Doors: The Ongoing Struggle for Public Records Access in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Monthly on the fight for access to public records.

October 27, 2023

New data reveals where people in Rhode Island prisons come from

Press Release

New data reveals where people in Rhode Island prisons come from

Report shows every community is harmed by mass incarceration

October 10, 2023

Who watches to make sure RI judges act ethically? A look at the panel veiled in secrecy

News Clip

Who watches to make sure RI judges act ethically? A look at the panel veiled in secrecy

Can the U.S. Supreme Court learn from Rhode Island's code of ethics?

October 2, 2023

Rhode Island Watchdog Group Awards 4 Community Leaders

Press Release

Rhode Island Watchdog Group Awards 4 Community Leaders

“It is a privilege to work beside these change-makers and give them the recognition that they deserve.”

September 20, 2023

Is RI’s early voting period too long? GOP uses Carlson’s dropping out to say yes

News Clip

Is RI’s early voting period too long? GOP uses Carlson’s dropping out to say yes

Common Cause Rhode Island reminds the RI GOP that early voting was implemented in response to demand for it from voters.

August 29, 2023

Carlson’s early exit renews calls for limiting early voting or using ranked-choice voting

News Clip

Carlson’s early exit renews calls for limiting early voting or using ranked-choice voting

Common Cause Rhode Island rejects recent calls to restrict early voting access.

August 29, 2023

What is ‘red-boxing’ and why is it an issue in R.I.’s congressional race?

News Clip

What is ‘red-boxing’ and why is it an issue in R.I.’s congressional race?

John Marion weighs in on recent allegations of "red-boxing" by candidates in Rhode Island's First District congressional race.

August 24, 2023

Drama over snubs and no-shows hangs over CD1 debates

News Clip

Drama over snubs and no-shows hangs over CD1 debates

John Marion talks about the benefits of debates in the lead up to this September's special election.

August 21, 2023

Early voting for CD1 Special Election primary has started. Here’s how to cast your ballot

News Clip

Early voting for CD1 Special Election primary has started. Here’s how to cast your ballot

John Marion defends ample early voting ahead of the upcoming special election.

August 17, 2023

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

News Clip

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

Executive director John Marion talks about CD-1 debates, and why they benefit our democracy.

August 17, 2023

Demystifying Democracy

Press

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole

Media Contacts

John Marion

In RI, Politicians Hire Lots of Politicians – It Creates Lots of Issues

$182K loan, ethics filings tie Woonsocket mayor to developer in controversial land deal

Behind Closed Doors: The Ongoing Struggle for Public Records Access in Rhode Island

New data reveals where people in Rhode Island prisons come from

Who watches to make sure RI judges act ethically? A look at the panel veiled in secrecy

Rhode Island Watchdog Group Awards 4 Community Leaders

Is RI’s early voting period too long? GOP uses Carlson’s dropping out to say yes

Carlson’s early exit renews calls for limiting early voting or using ranked-choice voting

What is ‘red-boxing’ and why is it an issue in R.I.’s congressional race?

Drama over snubs and no-shows hangs over CD1 debates

Early voting for CD1 Special Election primary has started. Here’s how to cast your ballot

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

Hello! It looks like you're joining us from {state}.

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole﻿

Media Contacts

John Marion

In RI, Politicians Hire Lots of Politicians – It Creates Lots of Issues

$182K loan, ethics filings tie Woonsocket mayor to developer in controversial land deal

Behind Closed Doors: The Ongoing Struggle for Public Records Access in Rhode Island

New data reveals where people in Rhode Island prisons come from

Who watches to make sure RI judges act ethically? A look at the panel veiled in secrecy

Rhode Island Watchdog Group Awards 4 Community Leaders

Is RI’s early voting period too long? GOP uses Carlson’s dropping out to say yes

Carlson’s early exit renews calls for limiting early voting or using ranked-choice voting

What is ‘red-boxing’ and why is it an issue in R.I.’s congressional race?

Drama over snubs and no-shows hangs over CD1 debates

Early voting for CD1 Special Election primary has started. Here’s how to cast your ballot

Spate of debates will give R.I. congressional candidates chances to carve off slices of support

Hello! It looks like you're joining us from {state}.

Common Cause is fighting to make a democracy that works for everyone.

Ethics Commission Adopts Major Reform to Close the Lobbyist Loophole